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E-Newsletter • February 2025 |
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Editor's E-Note
The Cardiovascular Connection
Aging brings with it an abundance of changes, but some of these changes may mean more than they first appear, as is the case with a recent study out of Monash University. The study found that older adults with significant year-to-year cholesterol fluctuations, unrelated to medication changes, may face a higher risk of dementia or cognitive decline.
In addition to reading our e-newsletter, be sure to visit Today’s Geriatric Medicine’s website at www.TodaysGeriatricMedicine.com, where you’ll find news and information that’s relevant and reliable. We welcome your feedback at TGMeditor@gvpub.com. Follow Today’s Geriatric Medicine on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, too.
— Chris Baldwin, editor |
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Unexplained Changes in Cholesterol May Help Identify Older Adults at Risk for Dementia
When older adults have significant year-to-year fluctuations in their cholesterol levels without changes in medication, it could indicate an increased risk of developing dementia or cognitive decline, according to a preliminary study.
“Older people with fluctuating cholesterol levels unrelated to whether they were taking lipid-lowering medications—particularly those experiencing big year-to-year variations—may warrant closer monitoring and proactive preventive interventions,” says lead author Zhen Zhou, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
The current project used the in-trial and posttrial data of participants enrolled in a randomized clinical trial called ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) that determined low-dose aspirin was not effective for reducing heart disease risk in Australian and American adults. While one-third were taking cholesterol-lowering medication, none of the almost 10,000 participants started, stopped, or changed lipid-lowering medication during the follow-up period.
All participants were relatively healthy adults without dementia who had been having their cholesterol levels monitored annually. The first three cholesterol measurements taken in the ASPREE study were used to determine how much each person’s lipid levels varied from year to year.
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Study Likely to Change Standard of Care for Deadly Strokes
A meta-analysis published in The Lancet indicates that endovascular therapy (EVT), a minimally invasive procedure, is 2.5 times more effective than standard medical management in improving outcomes for vertebrobasilar strokes, which affect the brain's posterior regions. Despite increased brain bleed risks, EVT significantly reduces mortality and disability, enhancing patients' functional independence, reports Science Daily.
Common Painkiller Might Not Be as Safe as Thought
A recent study suggests that acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, may increase risk-taking behavior, reports Newsweek. According to a study by scientists at the University of Nottingham in England, participants—aged 65 and higher—who took acetaminophen perceived activities like bungee jumping or speaking their mind on unpopular issues as less risky compared with those who took a placebo.
Heated Hand Mittens’ Effect on Osteoarthritis
A randomized controlled trial published in The BMJ assessed the impact of electrically heated mittens on hand function in individuals with hand osteoarthritis. Over six weeks, the heated mittens did not significantly improve physical hand function compared with control mittens. However, a minor reduction in hand pain was observed. No notable differences were found in grip strength or overall hand osteoarthritis-related issues between the groups.
Depression May Affect Driving Behaviors in Older Adults
According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, older adults with severe depression were more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors—such as sudden accelerating and hard braking—compared with their nondepressed counterparts. |
Optimizing At-Home Practice
WellSky Personal Care is a web-based platform tailored for private-duty health care providers. It streamlines health care duties with features like caregiver scheduling, documentation, and client management. The platform helps users track changes in condition to reduce hospitalizations and has easy-to-use dashboards, reports, and marketing tools to optimize business performance. Learn more »
A Better Night’s Sleep
Putting Trauma to Sleep, by Jaan Reitav, PhD, and Celeste Thirlwell, MD, releases on February 28, 2025. Trauma often leads to sleepless nights, rooted in a dysregulated brainstem and heightened sympathetic nervous system activity. However, current trauma treatments overlook the deep link between trauma and sleep issues. Putting Trauma to Sleep recommends using the TABS model (traumatic events, attachment issues, bodily symptoms, sleep repair) to help therapists support clients in healing trauma and improving sleep. Learn more » |
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COVER STORY
Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Agitation can negatively affect the health and well-being of Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers if untreated. Health care professionals must be prepared to recognize, address, and manage agitation.
FEATURE
Navigating Prior Authorization
Automating prior authorization workflows can increase efficiency and reduce administrative workload.
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